We tend to just think of viruses in terms of their damaging impacts on human health and lives. But viruses can also be used to benefit human health, agriculture and the environment.
As people flock back to offices and pack public transport, we’re seeing more cases of the flu than in recent years. The flu shot isn’t perfect but it cuts your chance of being hospitalised.
The pandemic has disrupted national immunisation programmes. As a result, the African continent is seeing more outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases.
Anna Howe, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Emma Best, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau et Matthew Hobbs, University of Canterbury
The risk of serious disease outbreaks among NZ children is now very real. Some childhood immunisation rates have dropped from about 80% in early 2020 to 67% by June 2022, and as low as 45% for Māori.
Emerging evidence shows the COVID pandemic has seen fewer people receiving routine medical care across many areas. Here’s what we know about the impact that’s having – and could have down the track.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged 5-11 from January 10, after it cleared the final regulatory step. Here’s what you need to know.
Australia’s regulator has approved the Pfizer COVID vaccine for 5-11 year olds, with the rollout expected to start on January 10. Here’s how to prepare your child if they’re fearful of needles.
Many countries, including South Africa, use regulations to control smoking in public so that they do not harm non-smokers. Likewise, getting vaccinated is for the common good of society.
Vaccine manufacturing doesn’t come cheap. It depends heavily on support from developed countries. It also requires much more than relaxing intellectual property rights and a desire for vaccine equity.
Paediatrician at the Royal Childrens Hospital and Associate Professor and Clinician Scientist, University of Melbourne and MCRI, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Paediatrician, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance; Clinical Lecturer, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney